LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a widely used procedure and a medical wonder for patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as it can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses.
The procedure works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, so that light entering the eye focuses properly onto the retina. The result is a clearer vision, often reducing or eliminating the need for contact lenses or glasses.
Because sight is so important to quality of life, learning about LASIK, what it can and what it can’t do, is vital when deciding about your eye health. Our expert, Dr. Scott Beeve at Beeve Vision Care Center, guides you and shares the facts and the fiction associated with this popular procedure.
Nearly 99% of patients who opt for LASIK achieve 20/40 vision, and about 90% achieve 20/20 vision, depending on their initial prescription and overall eye health.
The high success rate depends on the surgeon's skill and whether you are a good fit for the procedure. We assess the fit during your initial eye exam, when your medical provider ensures your cornea is thick enough to be reshaped, and you don’t have other conditions that may stand in the way of good vision.
Having a laser directed at your eyes doesn’t sound too comfortable, but in reality, you won’t feel a thing. The lasers are very precise, and the numbing eye drops keep you comfortable during the procedure. Patients report feeling some mild pressure during the procedure but no pain.
After the procedure, you may experience some irritation, dryness, or sensitivity to light, which typically disappears in a few days.
Because the procedure involves reshaping your cornea, the correction results in positive vision changes that persist over time. With age, you may notice your near vision worsening, but that isn’t related to a reversal of LASIK results, but a normal consequence of aging.
LASIK is indeed effective for the most common vision concerns, but it is not suitable for everyone. You may not be an ideal candidate for LASIK if your corneas are too thin or have irregularities, you have unstable vision prescriptions, have certain eye conditions, or have severe dry eyes. If that’s the case, we may recommend other vision correction options.
Recovery after LASIK is usually fast. Within one or two days, you can return to most of your normal activities. Following the procedure, you may need to use prescribed eye drops and avoid eye strain.
If you’ve been dreading wearing glasses or contacts for a while now and dream of not worrying about your vision at all, LASIK could be the solution.
Contact us to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam at our Glendale, California, office, where our experts assess your vision, corneal thickness, eye health, and overall suitability for the procedure.
Ideal candidates are typically over the age of 18, have a stable prescription for at least one year, and do not have underlying eye conditions that could affect healing.
